When your child has asthma, it’s rough. Every changing season can play havoc with their symptoms, as climate change shifts pollination, and the blooming of various flowers and trees earlier every year. This presents more pollen and a longer season.  But: knowledge is power. Here are the basics of how the different seasons can affect asthma sufferers:

Fall and winter are the worst seasons for children with asthma.

There is also a significant increase in
(ACAAI).

Spring is beautiful, but it’s full of allergens.

Trees, grass, and flowers may look magnificent during the Spring, but this also signifies the beginning of the ultimate allergy season. The pollen count is at its highest during this time of the year and occurs earlier every year. Exposure to these various allergens can spark asthma attacks in your child, alone or in combination with other environmental factors such as viruses, indoor and outdoor pollution. Read our blog
on understanding the movement of pollen.

The warm summer season has asthma triggers, too.

Around this time, higher levels of air pollution, sudden weather shifts, and even thunderstorms can trigger asthma symptoms. Some children are sensitive to heat and humidity, or pollen from cut grass, trees and weeds — all of which are allergens. However, there are fewer asthma attacks during this season because children are not exposed to as many potential viral infections, and because school is out, they spend less time in the more densely populated campus setting.

Tips for Asthma Trigger Reduction

Here are several tips you can take to effectively reduce or prevent your child’s asthma from worsening:

In conjunction with your medical asthma action plan created for your child with your medical professional, creating an

Air Quality Index codes are broadcasted daily on the radio, television, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s
which has a pollen forecast.

Handwashing creates a safer environment at home, and it prevents your children from picking up or spreading viruses. Most of the viruses that cause problems are primarily spread through contact with infected hands. We recommend a non-  fragranced basic soap - antibacterial soap is only needed to sanitize, not for regular hand washing. Encourage your child to make handwashing a habit at home and in school.

Air conditioning during the summer is ideal for your child with asthma, and is especially important in their bedroom. Try and avoid fans, as this circulates dust, pet dander, and other particles that can irritate your child’s airways. Before the summer heat and humidity set in, make sure to change your AC filter to a MERV 11-13.

This can be a challenge for kids, but if they can avoid rubbing, it may prevent the spread of viruses on their skin. This is why we recommend frequent hand washing.

Did you know that many professional athletes, even those participating in the Olympics, have asthma? It’s a misconception that children with asthma should refrain from physical activity. If your child needs to sit out during recess or sports, they may not have good control of their asthma and should see their health care provider.

Being able to manage your child’s asthma can be challenging and stressful, but there are countless sources of information out there that can help you through it. You should also educate your child about their condition so they know what to do if it flairs up. Just establish an effective action plan so you and your child can have a happy, stress-free, healthy time, whatever the season.


Do you know where your asthma triggers are hiding? View our infographic